*' His eyes are like unto a flaming lire ; and his feet are like fine brass."
In opening the contents of the epistle, we shall notice,
I. The characteristic excellence of this Church in general — The virtues for which they are commended, are such as distinguish every true Christian —
[" Charity," or love to God and man, is the sum and substance of all religion : and so essential is it to the Christian character, that, whatever else we might possess, or whatever we might either do or suffer for the cause of Christ, w^e should, if destitute of this, be no better than " sounding brass, or tinkling cymbals*." This charity, however, is not a mere in- operative feeling, but a lively, active principle, that engages us in the " service " of God and man, and especially in minister- ing'' to the bodily and spiritual wants of our fellow-creatvu'es. *' Faith," whether we understand it of an affiance in God, or of fidelity towards him, is also a distinguishing feature of the true Christian, whose very profession leads him to " live by faith on the Son of God," and to devote himself unreservedly to the sei'vice of his Lord. In the performance of his duties, he will indeed have need of " patience :" he is called to " take up his cross daily," and to be conformed to his Lord in suffer- ings, as well as in holiness and in glory. In all these " works" the Church at Thyatira had attained a considerable profici- ency; insomuch that the heart-searching God bore testimony to their distinguished eminence. Can the same be spoken respecting us ? ]
But their chief excellence was, that their piety had been continually progressive —
[It had been said of the Church at Ephesus, that " they had left their first love :" but of Thyatira it is observed, that " their last works were more than their first." How blessed and honourable a distinction was this ! Yet this must be the experience of all who would secure the happiness of heaven. If once we " put our hand to the plough, we must never look back again ''." However eminent our righteousness may have been, it shall all be forgotten, if we turn away from it"^. Our " path must be like the shining light which shineth more and more unto the perfect day'." Inquire then, my Brethren; can this be said of us? Are we really " growing in grace V
and
» 1 Cor. xiii. 1 — 3. *• t^» 5<«x«y/«». " Luke ix. 62.
«» Ezek. xxxiii. 12, 13, 18. " Prov, iv. 18. ' 2 Pet. iii. 18